[1] LORD who rules over all, how lovely is the place where you live! [2] I can’t wait to be in the courtyards of the LORD’s temple. I really want to be there. My whole being cries out for the living God. [3] LORD who rules over all, even the sparrow has found a home near your altar. My King and my God, the swallow also has a nest there, where she may have her young. [4] Blessed are those who live in your house. They are always praising you. [5] Blessed are those whose strength comes from you. They have firmly decided to travel to your temple. [6] As they pass through the dry Valley of Baka, they make it a place where water flows. The rain in the fall covers it with pools. [7] Those people get stronger as they go along, until each of them appears in Zion, where God lives. [8] LORD God who rules over all, hear my prayer. God of the people of Jacob, listen to me. [9] God, may you be pleased with your anointed king. You appointed him to be like a shield that keeps us safe. [10] A single day in your courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather guard the door of the house of my God than live in the tents of sinful people. [11] The LORD God is like the sun that gives us light. He is like a shield that keeps us safe. The LORD blesses us with favor and honor. He doesn’t hold back anything good from those whose lives are without blame. [12] LORD who rules over all, blessed is the person who trusts in you.
